Baptism…

Scripture – the Word written, Preaching – the Word preached, and the Sacraments – the Word enacted and sealed, bear testimony to Jesus Christ, the living Word. Through Scripture, proclamation, and Sacraments, God in Christ is present by the Holy Spirit acting to transform, empower, and sustain human lives.

            Baptism is the sign and seal of incorporation into the Lord Jesus. Our Lord through His own baptism identified Himself with sinners in order to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus in His own baptism was attested Son by the Father and was anointed with the Holy Spirit to undertake the way of the servant manifested in His sufferings, death, and resurrection. Jesus the risen Lord assured His followers of His continuing presence and power and commissioned them, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always to the end of the age”.

            Baptism enacts and seals what the Word proclaims; God’s redeeming grace offered to all people. Baptism is God’s gift of grace and also His summons to respond to that grace. Baptism calls us to repentance, to faithfulness, and to discipleship.

            Both believers and their children are included in God’s covenant love. Children of believers are to be baptized without undue delay, but without undue haste. Baptism, whether administered to those who profess their faith or to those presented for baptism as children, is one and the same Sacrament.

ADULT BAPTISM: The baptism of those who enter the covenant upon their own profession of faith witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of grace calls for fulfillment in a response of faithfulness.

INFANT BAPTISM: When a child is being presented for Baptism, ordinarily the parent(s) or one(s) rightly exercising parental responsibility shall be an active member of the congregation. Those presenting children for Baptism shall promise to provide nurture and guidance within the community of faith and assume the responsibility of active church membership. The Session may also consider a request for the baptism of a child from a Christian parent who is an active member of another congregation.

            For more information about Baptism please contact our pastor.